I am the ghost of Shadwell Stair.

       Along the wharves by the water-house,

       And through the cavernous slaughter-house,

I am the shadow that walks there.





Yet I have flesh both firm and cool,

       And eyes tumultuous as the gems

       Of moons and lamps in the full Thames

When dusk sails wavering down the pool.





Shuddering the purple street-arc burns

       Where I watch always; from the banks

       Dolorously the shipping clanks

And after me a strange tide turns.





I walk till the stars of London wane

       And dawn creeps up the Shadwell Stair.

       But when the crowing syrens blare

I with another ghost am lain.